&8220;It&8217;s a real team effort … It&8217;s not where we are but how we&8217;re playing.&8221;

That was the response from Briarwood Christian School head volleyball coach Robbie Wilson when asked what it meant for him to see his team play for a state title.

Briarwood defeated Eufaula in the sub state tournament and will face Muscle Shoals at 12:30 p.m. today in the elite eight of the state tournament at the Pelham Civic Center.

Briarwood starters include outside hitters Emmy DeShazo, Haley Johnson, middle blockers Leah Scroggins, Stephanie McKinney. Opposite is Whitney Bailey and setters are Caroline Whit and Susannah Lamon.

Wilson said he is grateful to have his team in the Elite Eight again. He said his senior group has won their area and region tournaments every year and are in the Elite Eight for the fourth year in a row.

He said the 5A Briarwood Christian Lions are 36-5 on the season.

When asked what playing for a state title would mean to Scoggins, she replied, &8220;It&8217;s amazing. I so proud of this team and I&8217;m so blessed to have them. Everybody plays really well together. Emmy and Haley are great outside hitters, and Stephanie (McKinney) here is a brick wall. And our setters just have really good communication and variety, and we&8217;re determined to win state, and hopefully we can do it.&8221;